Make

Foolproof Italian Dinner Party

October is a magical month for produce, when the last of summer’s tomatoes sit next to fall’s new crop of chicories, brassicas, and the first apples of the season. It’s also the first month when the crisp air has us reaching for warming, comforting dishes rather than light, lean salads. To celebrate this special time of year, we put together a foolproof Italian dinner party menu that we’d happily eat every Sunday this fall. Some of the recipes take time (sausage ragu gets better as it simmers, and focaccia, though dead-easy to make, needs a couple of hours to rise properly), but we promise none of them are difficult. So this weekend, set aside a few hours for stress-free cooking and rave reviews, especially if you serve this affogato for dessert.

We love the bitter greens that start popping up in farmers markets this time of year, and this bright, punchy vinaigrette complements them perfectly. Our go-to green for this is escarole, but if you can’t find it, a mix of endive, arugula, and radicchio is delicious, too.

Let’s be honest, anything involving burrata is gonna be good, but this dish – which combines the creamy cheese with blistered cherry tomatoes, grilled focaccia, and a drizzle of syrupy aged balsamic vinegar – is pretty exceptional. If you don’t have time to make the focaccia, buy some.

For anyone intimidated by the idea of making your own bread, this focaccia recipe is a perfect place to start. It’s easy to make, comes together in just a few hours, and is still incredibly impressive. Use any leftovers for sandwiches or to make incredible croutons for salads. If your kitchen is cold, let the dough rest above or next to the warm oven.

goop your inbox

Goop City Guides

We’ve tried every restaurant, checked into every hotel, and flipped every boutique rack so that you don’t have to—from classics to little-known, under-the-radar spots, we created our guides for visitors and locals, alike.

Get First Dibs

Sign up here to receive news and information about the upcoming goop skincare launch.

FIRST NAME *

LAST NAME *

EMAIL ADDRESS *

By clicking this button, you will be receiving product updates and our weekly newsletter.

Take 25% off Goop Shop.Use code: 25OFFLOVEGOOP

Offer ends at 11:59 PM PST on 11/30/15. You must enter the discount code 25OFFLOVEGOOP in Checkout for savings to be applied. Promotion excludes: Valentino, Stella McCartney, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, fruitsuper design, all Beauty, all Jewelry, and all Final Sale items. Promotion also excludes taxes, gift cards, and shipping charges. This offer is valid only at http://shop.goop.com and may not be combined with another offer. No adjustments on previous purchases. Goop Inc. reserves the right to modify or terminate this offer at any time without notice.

You first

Get Thursday's Note from GP, including exclusive tips and behind-the-scenes photos.